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Jan 23, 2005

Refrigerating Avocados

Q: Is it all right to store avocados
in the fridge?

Avocados don't ripen on the tree. After they are picked, they ripen best at temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°F). If you keep an unripened avocado in the fridge, it can go straight to spoiled without ever completely ripening. This is because the ripening process is slowed down by the lower temperature. To encourage ripening, try putting avocados in a paper bag with a ripe banana.

To tell if an avocado is ready for use, gently squeeze the fruit in the palm of your hand. A ripe avocado will be firm but will yield to gentle pressure.

Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days without concern, but if left too long they will spoil with no outward sign that they have gone bad.